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| ex·plain [ ik spláyn ] (past and past participle ex·plained, present participle ex·plain·ing, 3rd person present singular ex·plains) |
verb |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb give details about something: to give an account of something with enough clarity and detail to be understood by somebody else
  I explained to him that we had no option.
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2. transitive verb clarify meaning of something: to make the meaning of something clear to somebody
Can you explain this sentence to me?
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3. transitive and intransitive verb give reason for something: to give the reason for something that has happened, often as justification for it
Let me explain why I'm late.
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4. ex·plain your·self vr justify behavior: to give reasons to justify personal behavior or actions
You'll have to explain yourself to the principal.
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5. ex·plain your·self vr make self understood: to express ideas or thoughts in a way that is easily understood
I'm not explaining myself very well.
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| [Early 16th century. < Latin explanare "flatten out, unfold" < planus "flat, clear"] |
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| ex·plain·a·ble adjective |
| ex·plain·er noun |
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